5 Fun Things to Do in Lido Key, FL

Featuring some of Sarasota, Florida’s most unique and dazzling waterfront, Lido Key is known for its ecotourism and stunning sunsets. The small barrier island may be short on size but still has plenty to see and do for a sun-soaked vacation. Here’s what to put on your must-do list when visiting Lido Key. 

St. Armands Circle

Visitors on the hunt for the best in elegant shopping and outdoor dining experiences head to St. Armands. Music fills the air from outdoor speakers around the Circles as restaurants open their doors and patios for hungry residents and tourists. Explore over 130 shops from art to designer clothing to pick-up unique finds and big-box brands. “The Circle” is also home to annual events like art festivals, car shows and Holiday Night of Lights.

Mangrove Kayak Tour

Mangrove kayak tours are a popular activity in Lido Key with self-paced paddling along exotic mangroves. Before you enter the tunnel of mangrove trees, keep an eye out for playful dolphins and manatees and end the tour with a swim off of South Lido Beach. Tours are led by professionally trained guides with knowledge of the mangroves, bays, and estuaries for an educational experienced mixed with adventurous fun. 

Lido Key Culinary Tour

Why dine in one place when you can sample some of the best restaurants around St. Armands with a culinary tour offered by Key Culinary Tours? Spirited and personable guides take guests on a walking tour to some hand-picked restaurants where you’ll enjoy generous tastings. There are also two bonus stops with an overview of some of the best spices, teas, oils and vinegar and how to best use them with your own culinary creations.

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Immerse yourself in marine life at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium complete with two touch tanks and a 135,000-gallon shark habitat. Guests learn more about resident manatees Hugh and Buffett and sea turtles Monego and Squirt two among 100 species of marine life. The campus is also home to a variety of research programs including the health of wild fisheries and the population dynamics of manatees, dolphins, turtles, sharks and coral reefs. 

Shore Fishing at South Lido Beach Park

Situated on the southernmost end of Lido Key, South Lido Park Beach offers a stretch of beachfront ideal for shore fishing. Four bodies of water brush-up against various points of the park including the Gulf of Mexico, Big Pass, Sarasota Bay and Brushy Bayou. When the tide is right, anglers cast their lines out to Big Pass to try their luck at a daily catch. Afterward, unwrap a picnic at the tables or let the kids play at the playground.

Discover more things to do in Sarasota, Florida here!